Friday 10 July 2009

Eight Tips For Creating a Dream Staycation This Summer

Rising gas prices have families replacing traditional vacations with backyard staycations. Instead of paying money for hotels and transportation costs, homeowners are creating soothing paradises in their own backyards, complete with a cozy garden swing. Enjoy a staycation this summer!

A staycation involves staying at home and enjoying the amenities you have right in your town. It's affordable, fun and bound to draw your family together. Learn eight tips for making the most of your vacation time without leaving your home.

1. The goal of a home vacation is to kick back and relax. You probably have a backyard garden that you rarely spend time in. Garden swings give you a comfortable spot to curl up and read. You'll enjoy smelling the fragrant flowers in your yard, and your swing will improve your garden design. It's a win-win situation.

2. Spend some of your vacation savings enhancing your patio. You can increase your property value with an attractive patio or deck. Add a small water feature or patio swing and create a tranquil spot where you and your loved ones can enjoy the sounds of nature.

3. Have a picnic in your backyard. Bring a plate to your garden swing or lay out a picnic blanket. Call local restaurants and have a pizza or grinders delivered to your door. Look for savings in area newspapers. You'll love "dining out" and save money at the same time.

4. Pitch a tent in your backyard and sleep outside. It feels like you're camping, but the reality is that all the comforts of home are a few steps away. Children love camping, and you'll save money on park fees and travel costs.

5. Spend a little money on a pool. Easy Set pools are affordable and set up within minutes. You can turn your backyard into a pool paradise and spend an entire week's vacation soaking up some sun, swimming in your very own pool and making the most of your backyard garden area.

6. If you enjoy building things, purchase some lumber and build your own garden swing. You can get the whole family involved with staining, painting or helping hand you materials. Many garden swings are built in two days maximum, so spend the rest of your time relaxing with a good book.

7. Speaking of books, save money on books through sites like paperbackswap.com or swaptree.com. Trade books you no longer want for books you are dying to read. You can curl up in your backyard and enjoy a trip to another time or place. In addition, children who see their parents reading often copy them and spend time reading too.

8. Have a party in your backyard with family and friends. Have everyone bring their favorite dish, pitch a tent and have an enjoyable evening in the great outdoors without paying a fortune on park fees or foods. Moreover, having guests bring a different dish, you can sample a wide variety of foods.